A Voice for Compassionate Healthcare: Alexis Marcotte's Honors Journey
Jumping In: The Journey through Honors
Alexis Marcotte, third-year Honors Student/Physician Assistant Science Major
For junior Health Science major and Physician Assistant Sciences student Alexis Marcotte, joining the Honors Program at Saint Francis University felt like a natural continuation of her academic journey. “In high school, I was always an honors student,” she said. “What drew me to the Honors Program here was the opportunity to take more discussion-based classes instead of strictly exam-based ones.” That balance between intellectual challenge and creativity was what first made the program appealing — and it has continued to shape her experience ever since.
Alexis recalls the Music and Wellness course from her first semester as one of the most meaningful classes she’s taken. “It really helped me adjust to college life,” she reflected. “It wasn’t just about academics — it taught me how to take care of myself outside of class.” Beyond coursework, she credits the Honors program with helping her grow more confident in sharing her voice. “I used to be really shy about speaking in class, but through the discussion-based format and the storytelling assignment in Honors 101, I’ve become much more comfortable expressing myself.”
Her Honors Thesis, however, has been the true centerpiece of her academic development. Drawing on her long-term experience working in a nursing home, Alexis designed a research project titled “Factors Affecting the Quality of Life of Residents in Skilled Nursing Facilities from the Nursing Perspective.” What began as an idea to observe residents evolved into a more nuanced study surveying nurses and nursing aides — the people most directly responsible for residents’ daily care. “I’ve seen firsthand how residents can go from being happy and independent to needing extensive help,” she explained. “By understanding the nurses’ perspective, I wanted to identify what factors most impact the quality of life for those residents.” Her project reflects the Honors Program’s emphasis on independent, student-driven research — encouraging students to explore topics that connect personal experiences with academic inquiry. For Alexis, it also serves as a bridge between her work in healthcare and her compassion for patient well-being.
Outside of her research, Alexis remains actively involved on campus as the secretary for both the Literary Club and the Physician Assistant Student Society, combining her academic interests with leadership opportunities. Last summer, she also took part in the European Summer Program in France, where she studied both the French language and global healthcare systems. “It was such a great experience — I got to see how different healthcare systems function around the world and travel to places like Belgium, London, and Amsterdam,” she said.
When asked what she would tell future students considering the Honors Program, Alexis smiles while sharing, “It’s not as stressful as it sounds. People hear ‘Honors’ and assume it’s all extra work, but you dictate your own terms. You get to set your own pace — especially with the thesis… ….and the classes are some of the most rewarding ones you’ll take.”